Appeals Court Lets Medford Police Keep Lottery Winnings

The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that the Medford Police Department can collect a $1 million cash prize originally awarded to a woman who purchased a scratch ticket through illegal means in 2005. The Mail Tribune reports that 45-year-old Christina Elizabeth Goodenow argues that it was excessive punishment to strip her of the $1 million in winnings.

Goodenow stole the identity of her boyfriend's deceased mother and used her Visa card to make $12,000 in purchases, including a winning ticket. She pleaded no contest to these crimes and was sentenced to probation. As part of her sentencing, the lottery money was forfeited to the Medford Police Department. Police agencies in Oregon can collect money gained through criminal activity.

Goodenow, in an attempt to keep her winnings, filed an appeal in 2007.